THE FUTURE OF NEUROBIOLOGICAL HEALING IS HERE.
In a world that consistently tells us there is a singular or non-existent path forward for individuals with neurobiological challenges, The Jacob’s Ladder Group is forging uncharted territory with its groundbreaking methodology - the IWBMCTM - impacting generations.
WHO WE ARE
Over 30 years ago, the birth and subsequent journey of one child paved the path for thousands of individuals to embark on their own journeys of transformation and healing. When Amy’s son, Jacob, was born with challenges that conventional medicine said were insurmountable, she refused to give up hope. She extensively studied how to turn these perceived “limitations” into possibilities. This formative work that Amy tirelessly committed to with Jacob is now known as the Interpersonal Whole-Brain Model of Care® (IWBMC™), a methodology and care model like no other. The IWBMC™ is a person-centered, evidencebased approach dedicated to unlocking potential regardless of age, diagnosis or level of need.
The Jacob’s Ladder Group is changing the conversation from the impossible to the possible, offering a better model with better outcomes.
THE CHALLENGE
Amy O’Dell, M.Ed., LPC, IWBMC-CE Founder, Chief Executive Officer
Amy O’Dell is a once-in-a-generation leader and pioneer in neurodiverse education, neurobiology, and development. In a world that consistently tells us there is a limited or nonexistent path for individuals with neurobiological challenges, Amy is forging a new path on the foundation of authentic leadership and love that will impact future generations. Transformation is possible regardless of diagnosis, lack of diagnosis, or nuanced individual complexity. Amy’s greatest passion is to help restore and uncover potential most would overlook.
3 Decades of Hope and Healing
WHAT MAKES THE JACOB’S LADDER GROUP DIFFERENT?
The IWBMC™ recognizes that when considering an individual’s neurobiological, psychosocial, and learning profile variables, they each have a unique “thumbprint” shared by no other. Client challenges often correlate to over- and under-connectivity patterns within the brain, and the model addresses these by creating a unique therapeutic and educational plan for each client. The IWBMC™ is an evidence-based model that combines scientific principles with love and relationship to bring hope, healing, and transformation to individuals with neurobiological challenges.
AARON A SUCCESS STORY
Aaron joined Jacob’s Ladder at age six, struggling with severe speech delays, academic challenges, and behavioral issues due to a rare brain condition. Through our personalized approach, he blossomed— becoming conversational, academically capable, and socially engaged. Today, Aaron works, volunteers, and competes as a recordholding athlete in weightlifting
AHAVA is a customizable digital platform that offers global access to the science behind the IWBMC™, representing a groundbreaking shift in how we deliver care. Through this online solution, regardless of geographic location, professionals and families around the globe can access a comprehensive suite of tools to evaluate clients, design personalized care programs, communicate, and implement therapeutic activities, strategies, and interventions based on our proven IWBMC™ methodology.
FOR PROFESSIONALS
| Assessment-based certificate courses and two distinct certification levels are available for those in therapeutic and educational fields interested in evaluating and serving individuals with neurodiverse needs using our holistic and brain-based model of care.
On-campus and remote training is available for families, caregivers, and professionals through the Ascend Training Institute. Professionals are invited to participate in training in the Interpersonal Whole-Brain Model of Care® to learn each element of this unique methodology. By participating in training, individuals can gain access to the comprehensive AHAVA software, allowing them to carry out this model of care in various therapeutic settings. Those who participate in IWBMC™ training are part of a cutting-edge movement to change the face of educating and rehabilitating individuals with neurobiological challenges.
The Pillar Research Institute strives to enhance the validity and efficacy of the IWBMC™ by rigorously assessing client outcomes and conducting comprehensive research to support the evidence-based, patent-pending model of care. The research agenda encompasses a wide range of diagnostic categories served, including an extensive retrospective cohort analysis spanning over 30 years and involving more than 4,000 individuals.
FOR PARENTS & FAMILIES
If you are facing a new diagnosis for your child or are experiencing the ongoing difficulty of watching a loved one struggle, we would consider it a great joy to help you and your family shift toward hope and healing.
We have served thousands of clients for over three decades through our life-changing methodology. The IWBMC™ provides targeted, individualized daily interventions within a relational interaction model, allowing clients to feel safe, connected, and ready for growth.
“I’ve seen first hand that the talented staff at Jacob’s Ladder are dedicated to ensuring children of all ages feel safe, are cared for and see results. They employ a neurobehavioral model with a thorough assessment process, allowing them to understand each child comprehensively.”
- Jagan Chilakamarri, MD., Board Certified Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist
A PLACE FOR HOPE
Jacob’s Ladder School is an accredited and internationally known non-profit, private school and therapy center. For families seeking a solution, it’s also a haven of hope. With two Atlanta-area campuses, Jacob’s Ladder offers full- and part-time enrollment in 1:1 and low-ratio learning environments as well as in-home and remote service offerings. Jacob’s Ladder School serves children and adults experiencing nuanced or complex diagnoses, including:
• Autism spectrum disorder
• Emotional-behavioral-relational challenges
• Brain injury
• Genetic syndromes
• Intellectual and developmental delays
• Trauma-related disorders
